I was looking at 50L food grade plastic conainers today (instead of my doing my job - it was a very slow day), anyway, I was wondering if I could use one as a cheese vat? I know I would have to be careful with nasties getting into scratches and the like, but is there any other reason. I also know that nasties are a big one. any help would be terrific.
I used a 5 gallon bucket for several years prior to my Stainless Steel vat.
I would say yes, as long as its is made from NSF HDPE and you practice a good sanitation regimen.
I'm there with Wayne on this one. I haven't used it as a vat, but I do use food-grade plastic buckets for milking and have had no trouble with that. I use a touch of bleach along with dish soap when I wash them and have used the same ones for over two years.
Thanks for the info Wayne and MRSKK. I was thinking along the same lines. I use a tupperware container at the moment for any cheese I make under 10 L and it works really well, especially since it has a square shape. I also need to think how I am going to keep it warm, am thinking along the lines of Waynes setup but in a larger square tub , I have seen a few designs around the forum. Now to convince the wife that I NEED it.
Hey Wayne, I have been wondering where you get your extra large moulds from. Do you make them or buy them somewhere, We have a considerably small range of options downunder.
I get most of my moulds from here:
http://ullmers-dairyequipment.com/cheesemolds.htm (http://ullmers-dairyequipment.com/cheesemolds.htm)
Thanks Wayne, I like the idea of the sides opening up to remove the cheese easier. Ken